"Nick Fury-Heroic Soldier and S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent" (60's & 70's Heyday)

Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury was first introduced as a World War II era stogie-chomping Sergeant, who was the leader of a crack commando unit; in "Sgt.Fury and His Howling Commandos"#1 (a series which would last for 167 issues; from May 1963-Dec, 1981). He was created by Stan "The Man" Lee (writer) & Jack "King" Kirby. Because of their bravery, valor, and expert combat skills, Fury and his "Howlers" were called upon to help out in the Korean and Viet Nam Wars also. They were true patriots.

Nick Fury was re-introduced (although his W.W.II series continued) as a modern-day government agent, in "Fantastic Four"#21 (Dec. 1963). He had lost an eye by this time, but still continued to puff on his extra-large cigars. He was skilled in nearly every form of fighting, and the use of a vast array of advanced, complicated weaponry. In "Strange Tales"#135, Fury got his own spy series, as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division). S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top enemies were a terrorist / criminal organization called HYDRA, although they battled terrorist and global problems of every kind. Fury was equipped with a flying car, which he used to reach the flying heli-carrier that S.H.I.E.L.D. used as their headquarters. Writer / Artist Jim Steranko brought his own fantastic vision to the series; starting with "Strange Tales"#151 (Dec. 1966). The series was loaded with all of the classic 'spy staples', such as dazzling women, world-shattering villains, and about every form of high-tech weaponry, that you  could possibly think of! Steranko continued doing the series through #168, and carried on in "Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." (which lasted for 15 issues--Jun. 1968-Nov. 1969). His artwork and story-lines brought Jim Steranko much acclaim (he also wrote the "Steranko History of Comics" paperbound book series, which is excellent!!! Check it out!).

It was always a mystery that Nick Fury still looked young, even though he had fought in W.W.II. This mystery was revealed in "Marvel Spotlight"#31 (Dec. 1976) "Assignment: The Infinity Formula", which was written by Jim Starlin and drawn by Howard Chaykin (whose signature I acquired at the "Emerald City Comicon, early in the year). In the narrative, Fury had gained access to an 'age-retarding' medication treatment.

Nick Fury has appeared with or teamed with nearly every major character in the 'Marvel Universe', at some time or another! He also has appeared on many Marvel animated TV series' & films such as---"Iron Man"; "Spider-Man: The Animated Series"; "X-Men: The Animated Series"; "Spider-Man Unlimited"; "X-Men: Evolution"; "Wolverine and the X-Men";" Iron Man: Armored Adventures"; "The Super Hero Squad Show"; "Ultimate Spider-Man"; "Avengers Assemble"; and even "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel"
Direct-to-Video Animated films include---"Ultimate Avengers" 1 & 2; and "Iron Man: Rise of Technovore".

Live-Action Movie Appearances---
                   David Hasselhoff starred as Nick Fury (a great portrayal) in the 1998 Fox TV Movie "Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." The movie was a lot of fun and followed the story-line pretty well.
                  Samuel L. Jackson has taken on the role of Nick Fury (to great effect) in cameo appearances in "Iron Man" (2008); "Thor" (2011); "Captain America: The First Avenger"(2011). His role was a little meatier in "Iron Man 2" (2010); and was a central role in "The Avengers"(2012).Jackson will also appear in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (coming in 2014) and in "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" (coming in 2015). He is also slated for appearances in future Marvel movies. Jackson (very recently) appeared as Nick Fury in a cameo on the 2nd episode ("0-8-4") of the new hit ABC TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.!!!

Nick Fury is an enduring character, who will last as long as there is a 'spirit of adventure & patriotism' in this country!